Happy Thanksgiving

I got up early this morning to do my quiet time, drink a steaming cup of coffee, and watch the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade. It is my favorite kind of day - overcast and chilly and drizzling rain- and I feel very cozy snuggled on the couch with Jack. (the dog) So far, I am the only one up.

Our family is scattered this year for the holidays, but it is a special day nonetheless. Thanksgiving has definitely changed for us in the last several years. I didn't even cook an entire Thanksgiving dinner until three years ago! I was blessed with a grandmother who loved cooking for the holidays, and Thanksgiving was her favorite. We would all gather in her garage, warmed with space heaters, and eat a feast with our entire extended family. I miss those days!

Now the honor of cooking falls to me, and while overwhelming at times, it is fun to plan and shop for food and set a beautiful table. I try to incorporate a new dish or two into the meal, but what I love most is making the special dishes everyone loves. This year Meredyth requested her favorite mashed potato casserole, and Noah asked me to make his favorite potato casserole topped with corn flakes and butter. Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without a sweet potato something, so I am also making a casserole of sweet potatoes with an oatmeal crumble topping. I know! That's THREE potato casseroles! I don't really care if our meal is "balanced" or not, it's just important to know that everyone has their own special dish.

Here's the menu:

Turkey

Ham

Apple, Sausage, Cranberry Dressing

Mashed Potato Casserole

Cornflake Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole

Green Beans

Green Bean Casserole

Corn

Rolls

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Mississippi Mud Cheesecake

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Pumpkin Chocolate Bread Pudding

We aren't really celebrating until tomorrow, so today Michael, Noah and I will order pizza and watch football games in our pajamas. I hope Noah will pick up his guitar and play some of the new songs he has written, too. After the parade, the International Dog Show comes on! I don't know why we love that show, but we do!

God has blessed me with wonderful family and friends, and I am so thankful for His goodness. Happy Thanksgiving!